Announcements

PEIDHA Minutes from Meetings - The minutes from our meetings are only available to members of the PEIDHA. They can be received by contacting the association and our secretary will forward them to you.

Suggestions for Continuing Education Courses - We welcome any suggestions our members have for CE events. Or if you feel that you have a topic that may interest our association, please contact us and we will consider your invitation.

Return to Practice guidelines have been produced by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and by the Dental Association of Prince Edward Island (DAPEI). The regulatory bodies for dentist, dental hygienists and dental assistants in the other provinces have scripted their own as well. (for more information contact them directly)

Here in PEI, we are to follow the guidelines presented by the DAPEI and DCPEI. A few days ago, representatives from DAPEI, DCPEI and CDA conducted a webinar that focused on PEI Protocols. Here is a link to the video:

At the time of the webinar, the manual referenced was the PEI protocols. The CDA protocols were distributed yesterday. Both of these are attached to this email. **REMEMBER: Covid-19 and the Pandemic is an ever changing environment as more research is being done 24/7 around the world. These documents are working documents and are subject to change.** Any questions you may have about your own place of business should be directed towards your employer. However, if you wish to ask us anything, we will do our best to find answers for you. Frequent questions could be made into a quick document if need be. I'll cover this in the AGM.

As well, members will be receiving their weekly update from CDHA in their inbox before the weekend (see below). New Covid-19 related webinars are being developed for us so watch for information as it comes out. I am constantly in awe of the work our national body has been doing to keep us safe and informed.

CDHA has developed a Return to Work landing page www.cdha.ca/covidbacktowork on our website to provide interim guidance for dental hygienists returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webpage contains a number of key resources including:

advice on best practices for a safe return to work

resources and tip-sheets

a video series: Conversations to Build Collaborative Relationships in the Workplace

Coming next week — a downloadable return to work handbook for dental hygienists and a FAQ document and video on employment-related back to work questions.

FREE COVID-19 Infection Control Webinar

Release date: Tuesday, May 19Dr. Mia Geisinger and Katrina M. Sanders, RDH, will discuss the “invisible” risks within the dental operatory. Evaluate SARS-CoV-2, its underlying virology, and transmissibility. Examine up-to-date infection control recommendations and look at the emerging evidence that may become integrated into our infection control practices as we move forward.

Consent FormsCDHA is aware that many dental hygienists have been asked to sign a consent form like this one. We had our legal counsel review this form and generally speaking, they have no significant concerns, with the exception of the paragraph stating, “I confirm that I am not currently positive for the novel coronavirus”. This statement is ambiguous and should be revised. It is not clear that the parties mean a positive “diagnosis” and the word “currently” is not precise. Therefore, legal counsel proposes replacing this paragraph with “I confirm that I have not received a positive diagnosis for the novel coronavirus in the last 14 days.”

In reading the paragraph that follows (“I confirm that I am not waiting for results of a laboratory test for the novel coronavirus”) it can reasonably be assumed that the intent of the paragraph is to confirm that you do not have a positive diagnosis. As such, we would expect that the author of the form would not disagree with this proposed amendment. However, if they do – CDHA legal counsel recommends against signing it as drafted and would suggest that the dental hygienist handwrites the revision into the form and initials the revision instead.

Canada Emergency Student BenefitCanada Emergency Student Benefit: Students and recent graduates can apply for emergency benefit on Friday May 15. For those who have not already done so, the government advises applicants sign up for an account through the CRA for faster payments.

COVID-19 Pandemic CDHA Member SurveysReminder that the CDHA survey assessing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession closes tomorrow at noon ET.

We understand that many members are concerned about return to work and providing safe and ethical care. CDHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.

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It is our sincere hope that you and your families stay well and safe.Everyone can do their part to slow COVID-19.

Good news! Members were questioning whether they could earn a small income while on CERB. The government previously did not allow this, but due to advocacy efforts, have now announced that you can make up to $1,000/month and not jeopardize your CERB.

When submitting your first claim, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of your claim.

When submitting subsequent claims, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for the entire four-week benefit period of your new claim.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

While we were pleased to see the federal government’s economic measures for small businesses in the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan with interest-free loans, CDHA wrote to the Ministers of Finance and Small Business to express our concerns with some of the eligibility criteria for CEBA as it currently stands. We highlighted that many dental hygienists who own and operate their own business may not be eligible because they are sole proprietors or have not paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019. We asked that the government expand the requirements of the Canada Emergency Business Account so that sole proprietor businesses and those with a lower payroll may access these essential loans. This week the government expanded the CEBA and are now allowing companies who spent between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019 to be eligible. Although this does not address sole proprietors, it will allow more of our independent dental hygienists to receive financial support.

FREE professional development

CDHA recognizes the importance of quality professional development and COVID-19 related learning opportunities. We continue to actively review and assess options, available online at no charge, to support your self-study and help you mitigate future challenges.

On May 1, CDHA is re-releasing a selection of 6 webinars. Topics include cannabis, product hazards, and dental implants. Once you register, you will have up to one year to access the content. Get ready to crack open the vault!

Volunteer/Employment Opportunities for Ontario Members

In response to numerous requests from members in Ontario interested in supporting those on the front lines, CDHA reached out to the Ontario Long Term Care Association. They are using Link2LTC to hire employees and coordinate volunteers to work as Resident Support Aides. If you are interested in performing day-to-day, non-care related tasks, while regulated staff continue to manage and lead resident care, you can apply through Link2LTC or consult the OLTC Resident Support Aide Information Sheet for more details.

CDHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.

It is our sincere hope that you and your families stay well and safe.Everyone can do their part to slow COVID-19.

Urgent request for Volunteers to Assist with COVID-19 from Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer

CDHA received a letter today from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) asking us to reach out to our members with this call for assistance. There is an urgent need for people to help augment capacity at provincial and territorial levels for surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19 cases. More specifically, they need assistance in detailed case reporting/analysis and contact tracing to help to quickly identify cases and break chains of transmission by isolating and monitoring close contacts.

The federal government has updated their webpage on CERB. The update includes information on the application process and a Question and Answer section.

All individuals who have applied for EI as of March 16th will be moved to CERB. Individuals will receive a flat rate of $500 a week regardless of whether or not they are entitled to more through Employment Insurance (EI). However, those who are eligible for EI can apply and may receive EI after the CERB expires in 16 weeks.

For those members who are currently pregnant, CERB will not affect EI eligibility for your upcoming maternity leaves.

Support for Students and Recent Graduates

CDHA recognizes the unique challenges faced by dental hygiene students and we remain committed to advocating on your behalf. Actions to date:

Met with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on April 2 to explore options that will support students and recent graduates who do not qualify for CERB.

Advocacy to national banks requesting development of specific relief measures.

Supporting the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), who are asking government for an expansion of CERB for recent graduates and students not returning to study, who are unable to secure employment due to COVID-19.

Cochrane Library

The Cochrane Library is now temporarily unrestricted, providing access to high-quality, independent evidence. Explore the library today to review Cochrane’s response to COVID-19 and inform your professional decision-making.

Coming Soon: Enhanced access to FREE professional development

CDHA recognizes the importance of quality professional development. We are actively reviewing and assessing options, available online at no charge, to support your self-study and help you mitigate future challenges.

CDHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.

It is our sincere hope that you and your families stay well and safe.Everyone can do their part to slow COVID-19.

During this unprecedented time of COVID-19 crisis and uncertainty, CDHA members have remained our priority. Your safety, security, and wellness are what matter most. We have been working uninterrupted to deliver the services you need and will continue to do so.

The inventory of resources we have developed for you in the past weeks at www.cdha.ca/safetyalerts will help you navigate these challenging waters, whether it be practice recommendations, employment information or wellness strategies.

COVID-19 Video UpdateMarch 25, 2020, AFTER 4 PM ET: Andrew McKenna, a partner at Gowling WLG, will answer commonly asked questions about professional liability insurance and provide an overview of legal considerations. This video will be available on CDHA's YouTube Channel.

Compensation for lost work due to COVID-19If you have questions about applying for financial support, such as employment insurance, please consult Federal Government Supports, which was developed by CDHA to explain various options. Should you require more specific information, please contact Employment Insurance.

Your StoriesIn a HEAL meeting this morning with Carly Weeks, a reporter for The Globe and Mail, CDHA learned more about Canada’s COVID-19 response efforts. Here are a few highlights:

Testing kits—we need more.

Community transmission is on the rise. Canadians need to take social distancing seriously.

Every province is dealing with the situation differently.

Canadians should consult reliable sources of information, such as CDHA and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), whose websites are updated daily.

It’s time for health professions to tell their “stories.” CDHA invites dental hygienists to share their own personal stories and what actions they hope government will take - alerts@cdha.ca

Communication from CDHACDHA staff are available to answer your questions by phone, by email at alerts@cdha.ca or on our social media channels. We will continue to respond to issues as they arise and keep you updated regularly.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the dental hygiene profession, our communities and our families. Free with CDHA membership, the MFAP program is a professional and proactive service to support you, your spouse/partner, and eligible dependents(s) with a wide range of workplace, stress, and family issues. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. If you or your family members are struggling with the current situation, please reach out.

As part of Homewood Health’s pandemic plan, designed to add an additional layer of protection against the spread of the virus, counselling services will be offered telephonically in place of face-to-face counselling in offices across the country. Services are also offered by video, or online (email or chat formats). Access additional resources to support you, your spouse/partner, and eligible dependent(s) online.

Keeping well both physically and mentally is important. The Canadian Psychological Association has prepared a fact sheet with information to help people cope psychologically in the face of health risks like COVID-19.

Retraction

On Friday, March 20 we announced that Rudner Law would be providing you with a video update about commonly asked employment questions. We will no longer be releasing a video and ask that you refer to the Employment FAQs compiled by Rudner Law on cdha.ca/safetyalerts. If you have questions that have not been addressed in the FAQs, please contact the dental hygiene practice team at alerts@cdha.ca.

COVID-19 Video: Coming Soon

Gowling WLG, will offer answers to commonly asked questions about professional liability insurance and provide an overview of legal considerations.

On March 16, 2020 the following directive was sent to dental clinics in PEI from the Dental Council of PEI. A copy was shared with us today. Continue to follow CDHA and government websites for the latest information.

Directive to all Dental Clinics in PEI.

The Dental council of PEI wishes to direct all dental clinics in the province that due to the Covid 19

pandemic:

-Regular dental services must be suspended immediately. Further to this, a protocol for

managing emergency care must be put in place in each clinic.

- Starting on March 17, 2020 for a period of 14 days, dental clinics should manage emergencycare for infection, acute pain, bleeding or trauma, to instruct the patient to contact their dentist

by phone to have emergencies evaluated and determine the best way to provide safe care.

- Clinics are reminded that all staff must follow “standard precautions” to safely protect the

public and staff using all best practices and personal protective equipment. Strict attention tosterilization and disinfection procedures I’d important as not all persons infected are showing

symptoms.

Please review the Covid 19 information on the government website as it relates to travel and self

CDHA's update from March 15, 2020 is discouraging the use of ultrasonic scaling and polishing. Please read the attached document.

At this time (1pm AST), dental and dental hygiene offices in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia are advising the suspension of all non-essential and elective oral health services and provide emergency care only.

CDHA will be sending another update this evening. Please stay connected to their website for the latest information.

PEIDHA has been in contact with the Dental Coucil of PEI and will share any information we are given. We have not received any directives at this time.

CDHA acknowledges the unique challenges faced by dental hygienists and oral health professionals due to the nature of oral health services.

We continue to monitor emerging information in the development of guidance and information resources for dental hygienists affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in various ways.

We recognize that impacts are felt differently across the dental hygiene profession, including practising health and safety at work, income security, the likelihood of exposure and risks. CDHA is taking a balanced approach to addressing needs for support identified by members during this outbreak.

Our ultimate goal is to protect the public and the dental hygiene workforce from this viral spread.

The following are key points for consideration:

• If you do not have access to proper masks and protective equipment, do not provide services.

• If your clients have travelled to high risks areas within the last 14 days, do not provide treatment and please re-schedule.

• Recent research suggests that the coronavirus, which causes the respiratory infection COVID-19, can be detected up to 3 hours after aerosolization and can infect cells throughout that time period, the study authors found. The instruments that dentists and dental hygienists use routinely produce aerosols that would be contaminated with the virus if a patient was a carrier, symptomatic or not. This would cause the virus to be transmissible throughout the entire office.

CDHA is communicating with Finance Canada to request EI assistance for dental hygienists with reduced workloads and or no work.

CDHA is meeting with the Public Health Agency of Canada and BMS, our insurance broker, on Monday and will provide further updates at this time.

Click here to read CDHA’s one-page guide on client screening procedures and infection protection and control protocols during the outbreak.

The World Health Organization map breaks down the number of confirmed cases, deaths, and countries. Other maps and dashboards are available online.

CDHA encourages dental hygienists to continue to have open conversations with their employers and clients and work with other members of their dental team to ensure that proper protocols are in place and are followed. Office protocols should be flexible and evolve as the risk changes.

In order to comply with proposed changes to CDHO’s by-laws, CDHA has enhanced our current professional liability insurance offering. Our basic insurance coverage (included with membership) is $1 million each claim with $5 million limit per policy year. (this is increased from $1 million/claim & $3 million limit per policy year)

Our “Plan 2” offers $2 million each claim and $5 million limit per policy year. (increased from $2 & $4) This enhanced insurance can be purchased for $15.

The Sexual Abuse Therapy and Counselling Fund is now a maximum of $16,000 (increased from $10,000).

The updated information sheets are attached for your reference and would be effective for the 2016 policy year.